The Detroit River Hawk Watch at Lake Erie Metropark

By Kevin Arnold, Southern District Interpretive Services Supervisor

For over 35 years the Detroit River Hawk Watch has been conducted in one form or another at Lake Erie Metropark; and the boat launch in the park has been the primary site for over 20 of those years. Today, through the efforts of such organizations as the Detroit River Wildlife Refuge, the Detroit River Wildlife Refuge Alliance, the Hawk Migration Association of North America, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Huron-Clinton Metroparks the migration of raptors over the Detroit River Hawk Watch site is monitored. The information gathered is used to study the long-term trends of our raptor species; and to educate the public through programs like those presented at the annual Hawkfest celebration at the Lake Erie Metropark Marshlands Museum.

Influenced by geography, weather, and other factors the numbers of raptors streaming over the Watch Site have ranged from as low as 30,000 birds for the three-month season, to over 600,000 birds. Although Broad-winged Hawks and Turkey Vultures often make-up the largest percentage of these numbers, there are a total of 16 different species that can be seen with some consistency. These include such birds as Bald Eagles, Osprey, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, Golden Eagles and others.

A paid counter, sponsored by the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge Alliance and the Hawk Migration Association of North America, along with numerous volunteers can be found at the Watch Site seven days a week from September 1st through the end of November. The site is opened to everyone, and information is provided by the volunteers; as well as an interpretive kiosk provided through donations from Hawk Watch volunteers. Be sure to take some time this fall to stop by the Detroit River Hawk Watch site to learn more about the thousands of raptors crossing over the site, and to witness this awesome natural wonder for yourself.

Dear Patrons: As part of our on-going water quality efforts, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks will be inspecting and assessing it’s green infrastructure at Lake St. Clair Metropark. Specifically, the Metroparks as part of an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must conduct regular inspections and maintenance of green storm water infrastructure. During this time, you will see work relating to maintaining, inspecting and assessing the condition of the stormwater system. When work is complete the vegetation along the bioswales will be allowed to regrow and swales will be returned to their pre-inspection condition. Thank you for your patience as we work through this project.

We are excited to announce the concept design of the Shelden Trails Development Project was approved at the December 13th Board of Commissioner meeting. Presented by Jeremy Wimpey of Applied Trails Research, the proposed concept design was based on a comprehensive assessment of the current trail system along with input from stakeholder partners as well as public comment.